Letters to the editor for Thursday, October 17, 2013

To witness the Confederate flag displayed Sunday in front of the White House is treason.

To witness the Confederate flag displayed Sunday in front of the White House is treason.

The Confederate flag represents racists and the deplorable hatred found in our nation's historical Civil War. The North won the Civil War and the tea party has not gotten over it.

It is sinful to see this flag standing next to the Marine Corps flag. The Marines' flag represents thousands of minority men and women who like my late brother served his country in order to protect our freedom and liberty.

This flag does not and will never stand for freedom and liberty — it stands for oppression. The Marines will never serve the tea party. Jeers to Cruz, Palin and the deplorable tea party.

Daisy Benefielf

Middletown

Clocks tick, pendulums sway and time moves relentlessly on to that crucial day in November when voters get to select those candidates who will be most effective at all levels of government in this great country of ours. It's time to make that choice.

Having lived in Highland Falls since 1975, I have very rarely seen a more dedicated woman who has effectively served many fronts in this community, both in the school district and in village and town government (mayor, supervisor, etc.). Her heart is with this community as well as with the county of Orange itself. Her knowledge is far reaching on all matters concerning the welfare and well-being of all its residents.

Please consider Inga Quaintance for county legislator and mark the little circle on your ballot next to her name on Election Day, Nov. 5.

William T. (Bill) Higgins

Highland Falls

Referencing the article "Hearing set on Middletown mayor's salary," Oct. 5: When candidates run for public office, they know what the position pays annually. If the voters in a particular community think that the public servant is doing a good job (whatever that means), I think that person should be considered for a pay raise, but not over 85 percent annually.

I do not know the mayor. I have been told he does a good job (whatever that means). I've only seen his picture in the Record; he looks like a jovial guy.

The position pays $39,000 and may go up to $75,000 per year for at least four years, plus perks. That amounts to $144,000. That should cover any cost of living increases, don't you think?

By the way, my last increase was less than 2 percent annually — no perks.